Snow Country

by Yasunari Kawabata
Snow Country cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £12.99
Bookshop
Format • £9.49
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 11560
  • Added: 2026-03-10
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9780679761044
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 1996-01-30
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

Snow Country is a masterpiece by Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata, renowned for his novel Thousand Cranes. The story unfolds in an isolated mountain hot spring, where the desolate beauty of western Japan serves as a poignant backdrop to a tale of wasted love. Shimamura, a wealthy dilettante, encounters Komako, a lowly geisha, and their intense but doomed romance begins. Despite knowing their passion cannot last, Komako gives herself to him fully, leading to a story that is both heart-wrenching and deeply moving. /n/n The novel is celebrated for its dense implications and exalting sadness, capturing the essence of a love that is destined to fade. Kawabata's prose is both affecting and original, making Snow Country a timeless exploration of human emotion and the transient nature of love. The New York Times Book Review praises Kawabata's novels as among the most original works of our time.

Reviews
Somesmart.com · 2026-03-10
entertaining 4.50

The novel is praised for its creative fusion of the novel and the haiku, as well as its excellent character development. It is described as both entertaining and informative.

This reviewer really enjoyed the unique concept of blending the novel with haiku, which added a distinctive layer to the storytelling. They also appreciated the depth of the characters, finding them well-developed and engaging. The novel's ability to educate while entertaining was particularly noted, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    From the extremely creative concept of fusing the novel and the haiku to the wonderful character development, this novel was entertaining and informative.

    I really enjoyed the unique blend of haiku and novel.

    The characters were well-developed and engaging.

Marion Hill · Marion Hill · 2020-12-28
unique 4.00

The novel is not a classic Western-style love triangle, and the ending underscores this. It is the third Kawabata novel the reviewer has read.

Marion Hill finds that Snow Country deviates from the typical Western love triangle narrative, which adds to its uniqueness. The ending is particularly notable for reinforcing this deviation. As someone who has read multiple Kawabata novels, they bring a nuanced perspective to their appreciation of the book. The reviewer's familiarity with Kawabata's work enhances their understanding and enjoyment of Snow Country.

Quick quotes

    It is not a classic Western-style love triangle by any means, and the ending bares it out.

    Snow Country is the third Kawabata novel I have read.

    The ending is particularly notable for reinforcing this deviation.

Areaderofliterature.wordpress.com · 2016-03-07
subtle 3.50

The writing is clear and restrained, though the reviewer prefers more lyrical prose. They acknowledge the skill in Kawabata's writing.

The reviewer appreciates the clarity and subtlety of Kawabata's writing, even though they personally prefer a more lyrical style. They recognize the skill involved in maintaining such a restrained and effective narrative. The prose is described as never showy, which is seen as a testament to the author's control and precision.

Quick quotes

    The writing is clear. Subtle and restrained, never showy.

    I personally like my prose to be more lyrical but I really can't fault Kawabata's writing.

    The prose is a testament to the author's control and precision.

Appears in Lists